Patna: The Bihar Education Department has revised the menu for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in government primary and middle schools, temporarily banning the use of brinjal, okra, cabbage and all leafy vegetables during the monsoon. The move is aimed at reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses among students as continuous rainfall affects several parts of the state.
The decision comes as the India Meteorological Department has issued a rain alert for 30 districts in Bihar for Thursday, with many regions already witnessing persistent rainfall.
Vegetables Removed from Mid-Day Meal Menu
Under the new guidelines, schools have been instructed not to use brinjal (eggplant), okra (ladyfinger), cabbage or any leafy greens while preparing mid-day meals during the rainy season.
Instead, schools have been directed to use fresh, clean and locally available seasonal vegetables that pose a lower risk of contamination.
Directions Issued Across Bihar
The Education Department has circulated the order to all District Education Officers (DEOs) and District Programme Officers (DPOs), directing them to ensure strict compliance.
Officials have been asked to maintain food quality and hygiene standards throughout the monsoon. The guidelines also require schools to ensure kitchen cleanliness, proper storage of food grains and ingredients, the use of safe drinking water, and thorough cleaning of vegetables before cooking.
Precaution Against Seasonal Infections
According to the department, leafy and certain green vegetables are more susceptible to contamination by worms, bacteria and other microorganisms during the rainy season. If not cleaned properly, these vegetables can increase the risk of food poisoning, gastrointestinal infections and other illnesses among children.
The department said the temporary restriction is a precautionary measure to safeguard students’ health while continuing to provide nutritious meals under the scheme.
Focus on Fresh Local Produce
Schools have been instructed to prioritise locally sourced seasonal vegetables that are fresh and considered safer during the monsoon. Officials have also been directed to inspect the quality of vegetables and other ingredients before meals are prepared.
The department said the revised menu is intended to maintain both nutritional standards and food safety.
Monitoring and Compliance
District and block-level officials have been asked to conduct regular inspections to verify that schools are following the revised guidelines.
The Education Department has warned that action may be taken against officials or school staff if the prescribed instructions are not implemented.
Child Safety Remains Priority
The state government said the Mid-Day Meal Scheme is intended not only to improve children’s nutrition but also to ensure that meals served in government schools are safe and hygienic.
Officials expect the revised guidelines to reduce the risk of foodborne diseases during the monsoon while ensuring that millions of students continue to receive safe and nutritious meals.
